BULLING PREVENTION ON THE SCHOOL BUS SHARED WITH SUMTER COUNTY SCHOOLS' DRIVERS

BUS DRIVERS LEARN ABOUT BULLYING

BULLING PREVENTION ON THE SCHOOL BUS SHARED WITH SUMTER COUNTY SCHOOLS' DRIVERS Today, Mr. Donald Tuft, Transportation Director for Baldwin County School, visited the Transportation Department for the first of a two-day video and discussion presentation. "We have 42 drivers, seven bus monitors and five driver substitutes. We have brought in Mr. Tuft for two days of presentation. I plan to purchase the videos he will present for future bus driver information," said Ms. Tracy Monts, Transportation Supervisor for Sumter County Schools.

The 3-part video presentation is titled, "Preventing Bullying on the School Bus." The presentation explores actual case study and describes the types of bulling. "Bullying on school buses is aggressive behavior that causes mental or physical harm. It can involve an imbalance of power and can be repeated over time if now addressed by bus department managers and school administrators," said Mr. Tuft.

Before the presentation, Ms. Monts revealed a suggested script that will be read to students at the beginning of each year. The message will be delivered by each bus driver. It reads, "My job is to safely take you to and from school; but this should be a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone. For this reason, there will be no bullying or teasing on this bus, at the bus stop, or after you leave the bus. Bullying and teasing is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These are the rules for bus use: We will not bully others; we will tell the bus driver if we know someone is being bullied; we will help our fellow students if they are bullied; we will not join in or be a part of bullying; no hitting, pushing or touching other students; no name calling or teasing other students; no throwing or firing objects at other students and no taking items or possessions from other students, or touching their property will be permitted."

The script continues, "I need the help of all of you on the bus. If you see bullying or teasing taking place, do not laugh or encourage it. Be a responsible person and tell the bully to stop. Of, please bring it to my attention. If you are being bullied or teased, tell me and I will help you. You can also pass me a note so the bully does not see you telling me. Anyone who bullies or teases others will be required to sit up front where I can see you, and I will document it and inform school officials of your actions. There are no exceptions to these rules. There will be no bullying or teasing on this bus - PERIOD!"

The video presentation share actual examples of bullying and teasing on the school bus. Also, interviews with students reveal why bullying or teasing is so prevalent on the bus. One student said, "With the high back seats, the driver cannot be aware of the acts of every individual on the school bus. On a school bus, there are no escapes and these actions can occur twice a day. I was once a bully on the bus but when I got older, I changed my behavior and want to encourage others to behave. It is a privilege to ride the bus."

Mr. Tuft began driving a school bus in 1992, as a Deputy Sheriff in Baldwin County. He prepared the video tapes for use throughout Georgia.